[Mayhem]

It wouldn't be that out of character realistically if they were indeed officially discontinuing the engine and wanted to get rid of existing North American 1.6 supplies first before updating.

For recent comparison, the 2010 SVT Raptor launched with the 5.4L engine, and soon followed the rumors of the Engine being phased out for a new better engine. Which annoyed people, but didn't dissuade many from buying the 5.4's to be the first people getting them because there wasn't "official" announcements yet as to when the new engine would be made available..

They tossed those 5.4's into the Raptors so they could dump off existing 5.4 supplies before introducing the 6.2L engine which came at the end of the 2010 MY for a 4-5k premium. And at that time they had no expectations for the Raptor being anything more than a niche vehicle which went o to sell far more than anticipated.

Needless to say, many 5.4 owners went back and swapped for the 6.2L's... Profit $ $

Even if it does currently appear unlikely, I can't say that I'd be surprised to see a mid year engine swap or an engine swap coming in the next MY or two.

I am not a fan of mid year updates like that anymore... as My truck was a 2010 6.2L and took a big depreciation hit because black books only listed the 5.4L's for 2010.... So instantly 2010 6.2L's basically lost the value of the new engine upgrade when it comes to resale. A very uphill battle trying to argue the value of your vehicle when there is no proper blackbook listing for it because it was an end of the year afterthought release..

Also, screws up insurance in that..... full replacement vehicle coverage can only be applied based on how new your vehicle is... So getting a vehicle that is basically the next MY vehicle but on paper appears to be the current MY vehicle... takes away a year of full replacement coverage.

No more mid year revamps for me... Costs more, lower resale, insured for less value.

So if they do introduce the new engine I would hope for buyer's sake it will be a new MY entirely.

 

[Mayhem]

Yeah, I don't know anything whatsoever about the 1.5. Still wouldn't be surprised to see them do an engine swap at some point in the FiST's first couple years. I don't really have a lot of interest in similarly performing or smaller engines though... Wake me up the day they throw something with 250 HP into a FiST. (One can dream.....) I hope the aftermarket wakes up for this car a little though... As far as things look currently, options are pretty dull.

 

[Mayhem]

I wouldn't say that. Mountune, FSWerks, COBB, CP-e... most of the Focus ST guys have cars which, I would assume, means parts are coming down the pipeline.

Yeah, well perhaps "dull" wasn't the appropriate word choice hehe. I guess I am just used to following spoiled performance vehicles... Camaro / Mustang / Raptor / FT86 etc... They all had maaaaaassive aftermarket support.... But I definitely appreciate the few companies that are at least doing something for us. And good companies at that. I'm sure what they produce will be fantastic, but it's definitely not going to be as expansive as some of the performance vehicles that are produced in much larger quantities.. Of course the stereotypical bolt on's will be there.. But yeah... If the selection is too limited, everybody with any aftermarket mods is going to have the same car as everyone else who goes aftermarket. I'd like to see more room for individuality.